Probable algae bloom in Candlewood Lake prompts water advisory!

The town park has been closed because of contamination of lake waters by blue-green algae, which can emit toxins harmful to people and pets.

The Candlewood Lake Authority (CLA) which serves the five lake towns surrounding Candlewood Lake, is asking residents to contact their local health department to report a bloom if they see one on the lake.

First Selectman Susan Chapman said the park on Candlewood Lake was closed Thursday but is expected to reopen Saturday or Sunday. Chapman said the water is being tested, using a new rapid test, to determine when it’s safe to let swimmers back in the water

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is warning people about possibility of blue-green algae to be present in Campus Lake. The university has advised people to avoid any contact with algae by staying away from water of Campus Lake. The blue-green algae are also known as cyanobacteria.

Officials at university have been for long trying to solve the problem of blue-green algae, which occurs naturally in water. The university stated that it will soon carry out efforts to improve condition of the lake. If algae grow rapidly, it results into a state called bloom.

The Center for Environmental Health and Safety at university has been keeping check over the lake every week since May. Since the same time, a state advisory body is also advising residents to beware of blue-green algae in lakes and rivers of Illinois.
Kevin Bame, vice chancellor administration and finance, said fishing and boating are temporarily banned in the 43-acre lake. University is also posting warning signs. The drinking water of university is not affected. The walking path around the lake will also remain open.
The conditions that are favorable for blooms to occur are presence of organic material and summer’s warmer temperatures. Humans on coming in contact with the infected water can develop rashes. It is strongly recommended to keep dogs out of water.

“The bulk of the algae bloom is in shallow water near Thompson Point. We will be pulling the water toward the southeastern part of the lake, which is deeper. That is the area we anticipate the bulk of the fish will migrate to”, said Bame.

The News Times reported that a New Fairfield beach was closed Thursday and is not expected to reopen until Saturday or Sunday due to the blooms.

WestConn is working with the CLA to get water samples from each of the five town beaches for toxicity analysis by the lab.

The algae is known as Cyanobacteria and can produce harmful toxins. The CLA warns that these are potentially dangerous and should be avoided when swimming, fishing or boating.Contact with blue-green algae can cause skin, eye and respiratory irritation. Ingestion of the algae can cause vomiting and diarrhea, according to the CLA.

If the algae produce toxins, symptoms can be more serious, especially for children and small pets. These symptoms can affect the liver and kidneys and can cause possible neurological functions. Anyone who is exhibiting these symptoms should contact their doctor immediately.

“We expect the results soon, but keep in mind that the tests for those beaches are only indications of the water in those specific locations and may not be indicative of where you are,” the CLA said.